Currently, warnings are once again circulating through social networks and messenger chats: suspicious people are said to have approached children on the way to school, for example. This naturally unsettles parents. They wonder how serious the situation really is. How should they deal with the potential danger?
The problem with warnings on social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram) is that they are often copied, taken out of context and redistributed. This gives parents and children the feeling that dangerous situations are constantly occurring. Yet the message originally came from a completely different place. Or it has long since turned out to be harmless. This frightens families unnecessarily. Our advice is always to find out from your daycare center, school or the police whether there really is a danger instead.
Dear parents: Always inform the police in case of suspicion. If your child describes a suspicious situation to you, react calmly to what they say so as not to frighten them any further. Afterwards, please do not just tell the school or other parents, but always inform the police! This is the only way we can take immediate action and ensure your safety and that of your children. Because: Fortunately, many suspicious situations turn out to be harmless afterwards!
More tips for parents on protecting children:
- In the best case scenario, talk to your child regularly without any specific reason that they are not allowed to go with strangers or get into other people's vehicles.
- Make it clear to your child that they are only allowed to go with other people if you have given your express permission.
- It is important that your child understands that not every driver who asks for directions is a potential danger.
- Tell your child that they can fight back immediately and forcefully and shout loudly if someone is holding them and wants to take them away. Explain to your child that if this happens, they should try to run to other people very quickly.
Do not be afraid to call the police on 110 if you think there is an acutely dangerous situation!
Our Criminal Investigation Department for Crime Prevention and Victim Protection regularly visits nurseries and elementary school to give talks on the dangers of sexualized violence against girls and boys. In this context, tips are also given on safety on the way to school. Institutions can request presentations from the crime prevention department, preferably by sending an email to kpo.MaerkischerKreis [at] polizei.nrw.de (kpo[dot]MaerkischerKreis[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de).